SMALL   ARMS 


IklNG  REGULATIONS 


NATIONAL   GUARD   OF   CALIFORNIA. 


Approved    November   3O,    1896. 


SMALL   ARMS 


FIRING  REGULATIONS 


NATIONAL   GUARD   OF   CALIFORNIA. 


Approved' November  30,  1S96. 


A.  j.  JOHNSTON-, 


SACRAMENTO: 
1896. 


GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS, 
,  STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA, 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S  OFFICE. 


SACRAMENTO,  CAL.,  November  30,  1896. 

GKNEKAL  ORDERS,  ( 

No.  14.  ) 

The  following  Firing  Regulations  for  Small 
Arms  having  been  adopted  by  the  officers  men- 
tioned in  Section  2031,  Political  Code,  and,  hav- 
ing received  the  approval  of  the  Cornmauder-in- 
Chief,  will  govern  in  the  future, Target  Practice 
of  the  Guard: 

FIRING  REGULATIONS  FOR  SMALL  ARMS  FOR  THE 
NATIONAL  GUARD  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

1.  Rifle  practice  is  an  important  part  of  the  school  of 
the  soldier,  and  its  principles  will  be  taught  to  each 
recruit   by  the  squad  drill  officers.      Outdoor   practice 
will  be  conducted  in  accordance  with  the  orders  of  the 
Commander-in-Chief,  and  under  the  supervision  of  an 
Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice. 

2.  Target  practice  in  the  National  Guard  shall  be  held 
in  the  months  of  January,  May,  September,  and  October, 
and  at  200,  300,  and  500  yard  ranges,  and  skirmish  firing. 


4  FIRING  'REOUI^TICNS,  N.  G.  C. 

3.  *5ach-  orfieer  "audjanlisted  m'aix  will  be  allowed  an- 
nually 55  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  the  same  will  be 
fired  as  follows: 

One  score  of  5  shots  at  each  of  the  200,  300,  and  500 
yard  ranges,  in  January. 

One  score  of  5  shots  at  each  of  the  200,  300,  and  500 
yard  ranges,  in  September. 

One  score  of  5  shots  at  each  of  the  200,  300,  and  500 
yard  ranges,  in  October. 

Provided,  that  each  officer  and  enlisted  man  must 
make  a  score  of  at  least  15  at  the  aoo-yard  range  before 
he  will  be  permitted  to  fire  at  the  3oo-j-ard  range;  and 
he  must^make  a  score  of  at  least  15  at  the  3OO-yard  range 
before  he  will  be  permitted  to  fire  at  the  5oo-yard  range; 
also,  one  score  of  10  shots  at  skirmish  firing,  in  May. 

4.  Classification. 

MARKSMAN — A  total  annual  score  of  at  least  52  points 
out  of  a  possible  75  at  the  2OO-yard  range,  and  45  points 
out  of  a  possible  75  at  the  3oo-yard  range. 

RIFLEMAN — A  total  annual  score  of  at  least  52  points 
out  of  a  possible  75  at  the  2oo-yard  range,  45  points  out 
of  a  possible  75  at  the  3Oo-yard  range,  and  45  points  out 
of  a  possible  75  at  the  soo-yard  range. 

SHARPSHOOTER — A  total  annual  score  at  the  three 
ranges  of  at  least  180  points  out  of  a  possible  225. 

DISTINGUISHED  MARKSMAN — A  total  annual  score  at 
the  three  ranges  of  at  least  192  out  of  a  possible  225. 

Only  "distinguished  marksmen"  will  be  permitted  to 
participate  in  the  contest  for  what  has  been  heretofore 
known  as  State  "sharpshooters'  medals." 

5.  In  all  target  practice  and  contests,  ammunition 
furnished  by  the  State,  or  such  as  is  approved  by  Gen- 
eral Headquarters,  shall  be  used. 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  5 

6.  Skirmish  firing  will  be  at  silhouettes  at  unknown 
distances  between  600  and  200  yards;  individual  skir- 
mishers will  fire  at  the  group  composed  of  I>,  E,  and  F 
targets;   company  skirmish  firing  will  be  at  target  G, 
as    provided    in    paragraph   390,    Blunt's   Small   Arms 
Firing  Regulations. 

7.  All  line  officers  will  make  themselves  thoroughly 
familiar  with  the  system  of  instruction  adopted  for  the 
troops,  as  well  as  with  all  regulations  for  carrying  out 
the  practice.     , 

8.  Rifle  practice  in  armories  wall   be  as  frequent  as 
other  duties  will  permit;  it  will  be  conducted  under  the 
supervision  of  the  officers  or  non-commissioned  officers 
of  the  company,  or  such  other  officers  as  may  be  detailed 
therefor,  and  according  to  the  system  recommended  by 
the  Department  of  Rifle  Practice. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  officer  in  charge,  either 
at  the  field  or  armory  ranges,  to  see  that  after  practice 
no  cartridges  or  shells  are  left  in  the  hands  of  the  men 
or  in  the  rifles,  but  are  collected  and  turned  in  to  the 
proper  person. 

10.  The  names  of  all  National  Guardsmen  who  have 
attended  60  per  cent  of  the  drills  for  the  year  ending 
June  3oth,  and  who  have  qualified  in  any  of  the  classi- 
fications, will  be  announced  in  orders  by  the  Adjutant- 
General  and  be  published  in  his  report. 

11.  The  Division,  Brigade,  Regimental,  and  Battalion 
Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice  shall  perform  such  duties  as 
may,  from  time  to  time,  be  prescribed  by  the  Inspector- 
General   of  Rifle   Practice,   with   the   approval   of   the 
Commander-in-Chief. 

12.  The  Division,  Brigade,  and  Regimental  Inspectors 
of  Rifle  Practice  will  have  supervision  of  all   matters 


6  FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

appertaining  to  that  portion  of  military  instruction 
within  the  limits  of  their  respective  commands,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice 
and  their  commanding  officers.  They  will  also  inspect, 
or  cause  to  be  inspected,  from  time  to  time,  all  ranges 
and  practice  grounds  over  which  practice  is  held,  by 
authority  of  law,  or  competitions  between  the  troops, 
for  State  or  other  prizes;  and  see  that  the  necessary 
regulations  for  rifle  practice  are  carried  out,  and  the 
proper  returns  thereof  are  made,  and  report  to  the 
Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice,  from  time  to  time, 
as  directed  by  him,  the  condition  of  rifle  practice  within 
their  respective  commands,  and  what  practice  has  been 
carried  on  therein  within  any  period,  together  with  all 
other  matters  appertaining  to  their  duties.  If,  at  the 
conclusion  of  any  inspection  of  any  range  or  practice 
ground  by  any  Inspector,  he  shall  find  any  property  or 
range  unsafe  or  deficient  in  any  respect,  or  that  such 
range  or  practice  ground  is  dangerous,  he  shall  forth- 
with report  the  facts  in  relation  thereto  to  his  com- 
manding officer.  They  shall  also  attend  the  competition 
between  the  troops,  for  State  or  other  prizes,  and  see 
that  the  same  are  conducted  with  fairness,  and  accord- 
ing to  the  prescribed  regulations,  and  report  to  the 
Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice  the  result  of  all  such 
competitions,  with  names  of  the  winners,  together  with 
such  suggestions  as  they  may  see  fit  to  make.  All 
Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice  are  authorized,  from  time  to 
time,  to  examine  the  officers  of  their  commands  upon 
the  subject  of  rifle  practice. 

Regimental  Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice. 

13.  The  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice  aids  and  assists 
the  commanding  officers  -of  companies  in  all  matters 
relating  to  rifle  practice,  both  in  the  field  and  in  the 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  7 

armory;  and  is  charged  with  the  care,  safe-keeping,  and 
good  order  of  all  the  material  and  appliances  used  for 
rifle  practice  in  the  armory  range.  He  sees  that  the 
necessary  targets  and  markers  are  in  readiness  at  the 
time  prescribed  for  the  practice  by  the  different  classes; 
that  the  different  companies  and  classes  practice  with- 
out interference  with  each  other  or  with  other  persons 
using  the  range;  that  the  scores  are  properly  kept  and 
returned,  and  that  special  care  is  taken  to  secure  safety. 
He  acts  as  umpire  in  his  regiment  in  case  of  disputed 
hits.  He  prepares  all  returns  upon  the  subject  of  rifle 
practice  required  to  be  made  by  his  regiment  or  bat- 
talion, together  with  all  reports  or  other  information 
required  by  his  commanding  officer,  the  Brigade,  Divi- 
sion, and  General  Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice. 

14.  He  will  require  any  officer  or  enlisted  man  who  is 
intoxicated  upon  the  range,  or  who,  by  carelessness  or 
otherwise,  endangers  others,  to  desist  from  firing,  leave 
the  range,  and  shall  at  once  cause  charges  to  be  pre- 
ferred against  such  offender. 

15.  The  percentage  of  each  company  is  annually  an- 
nounced in  orders   by  the  Adjutant-General,  and  con- 
stitutes the  measure  of  efficiency  by  all  organizations  in 
rifle  practice. 

16.  The  target  practice  of  all  unattached  organizations 
and  the  Naval  Battalion  will  be  under  the  supervision  of 
the  Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice. 

17.  Ranges  should  be  selected  with  regard  to  the  fol- 
lowing conveniences:     Convenience  of  access;  as  level 
as  possible  between  firing  points  and  butts;  place  poles 
with  streamers  at  intervals  of  50  yards  between  targets 
and  firing  points,  as  indicators  of  the  wind;  if  a  wind- 


FIRING  REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

gauge  is  erected  fewer  flags  will  serve.    The  firing  point 
should  be  made  level. 

18.  The  marker  must   be  supplied  with   red   danger 
flags,  and  the  instant  one  is  displayed  the  firing  must 
cease,  and  must  not  be  resumed  until  it  is  lowered. 

Witufage. 

19.  A  side  wind  frequently  depresses  the  gullet  in  ad- 
dition to  moving  it  sideways;  a  front  wind  retards  it, 
and  requires  a  greater  elevation;  a  rear  wind  carries  it, 
and  reduces  the  elevation.     Allowance  for  wind  must  be 
increased  with  the  distance  to  be  shot  over. 

20.  Classification  of  icinds. 

I — Gentle Four  miles  an  hou 


II— Moderate ...Tenm 

III— Fresh ....Twenty  in 

IV— Strong Thirty-five  in 

V — Very  high Fifty  in 


les  an  hou 
les  an  hou 
les  an  hou 
les  an  hou 
les  an  hou 


VI— Gale Eighty  n 

A  most  important  requisite  to  good  shooting  is  a  cor- 
rect record  of  every  shot  fired  marked  on  the  plan  of 
the  target,  with  a  note  of  the  time  of  the  day,  kind  of 
light,  and  direction  and  force  of  wind. 

Government  of  men  and  ranges. 

21.  The  men  must,  on  all  practice  days,  be  under  the 
charge  of  an  officer  or  non-commissioned  officer.     They 
will  preserve  quietude  at  the  firing  point. 

22.  Those  not  firing  will  be  placed  a  sufficient  distance 
to  the  rear  to  prevent  comment  being  heard  by  the  man 
firing. 

23.  No  man  should  be  allowed  at  the   firing  point, 
when  the  danger  signal  is  displayed,  with  the  chamber 
of  his  rifle  closed.     The  instant  the  red  flag  goes  up  the 


FIRING    REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  9 

chamber  should  be  opened.  Never  load  except  at  the 
firing  point,  and  then  keep  the  muzzle  always  toward 
the  target. 

24.  In  all  practice  at  ranges  the  first  and  most  impor- 
tant duty  is  that  which  will  render  the  firing  safe,  not 
only  to  the  men  engaged,  but  to  lookers-on  as  well. 
The  men  must  watch  the  red  flags,   and  the  markers 
must  use  them  carefully  and  quickly.     When  the  flag  is 
raised  the  marker  should  not  rush  out  at  once,  but  allow 
an  interval  to  elapse,  so  as  to  be  safe  from  any  mistake 
at  the  firing  point. 

25.  All  practice,  either  private  or  in  regular  course, 
should  be  carried  on  manly,   earnestly,  and  with  one 
aim  in  view — improvement. 

26.  The  rules  now  in  use  by  the  United  States  Army 
will  be  the  basis  for  all  practice  in  the  National  Guard 
of  this  State,  except  when  the  same  may  conflict  with 
these  rules  and  regulations. 

27.  No  arms  but  those  regularly  issued  to  the  National 
Guard  by  the  State  of  California  shall  be  used  at  any 
target  practice  required  by  law. 

Use  of  the  sights. 

28.  Be  careful  to  keep   the  sights   perfectly  perpen- 
dicular when  firing,  as  a  slight  variance  from  it  to  -the 
right  or  left  will  cause  the  ball  to  take  a  corresponding 
direction. 

29.  Be  sure  the  rear  sight  is  properly  elevated.     In 
aiming  use  the  rear  sight,  through  the  notch  of  which 
find  the  target,  and  then,  and  not  till  then,  bring  the 
fore  sight  to  bear  on  it  by  glancing  along  the  top.    Don't 
make  the  mistake  of  using  the  fore  sight  before  your  eye 
is  fixed  on  the  target. 


IO  FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

30.  At  point-blank   distance,  which   is   one  hundred 
yards,  aim  a  trifle  under  the  object  to  be  fired  at,  at  the 
same  time  drawing  a  fine  sight,  as  the  elevation  will  be 
too  great  if  more  than  the  very  point  of  the  front  sight 
is  seen. 

31.  The  front  sight  may  be  blackened  or  painted,  but 
no  filing  of  sights  is  allowable. 

32.  No  rifle,  carbine,   or  pistol  shall  be  taken  apart 
except  by  the  direction  or  under  the  supervision  of  a 
commissioned  officer. 

33.  Be  careful  to  place  the  piece  in  the  rack  gently,  as 
the  barrel  may  become  indented  or  marred;  once  this 
happens,  the  piece  is  useless  for  accuracy.    Never  sit  on 
the  piece  or  use  it  for  carrying  weights. 

34.  Bring  the  piece  gently  to  the  ground  in  "  order 
arms,"  as  a  heavy  shock  is  apt  to  loosen  the  screws  and 
split  the  woodwork.     The  piece  must  never,  under  any 
circumstances,  be  used  for  applauding  by  striking  the 
butt  on  the  ground,  and  commanding  officers  will  see 
that  this  rule  is  strictly  enforced. 

35.  See  that  the  sights  are  in  good  order.     The  front 
sights  should  be  specially  guarded. 

36.  If  anj'  obstruction  should  find  its  way  into  the 
barrel,  leaving  an  air  space  between  it  and  the  cartridge, 
remove  it  before  firing;  the  barrel  is  liable  to  burst  if 
fired  under  such  circumstances. 

37.  The  range  is  the  place,  not  to  learn,  but  to  put  in 
practice  what  has  been  learned  in  drill.     Pointing  and 
aiming  drill  in  barracks  or  quarters  is  the  foundation  of 
successful  shooting. on  the  range  or  at  the  target.    Take 
one  man  and  let  him  shoot  at  the  target,  say  twenty 
times  without  preliminary  drill,  and  he  will  probably 


FIRING  REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  II 

miss  nearly  every  shot;  take  the  same  man  and  let  him 
for  one  month  practice  aiming  and  pointing  in  his  room; 
then  go  on  the  range,  and  out  of  twenty  shots  he  will 
make  probably  fifteen  hits.  Skill  in  marksmanship  can 
be  taught  in  the  same  manner  as  the  manual  of  arms, 
and  the  same  exact  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  dif- 
ferent positions  required  in  firing  as  in  manual.  Among 
soldiers  it  is  customary  to  put  a  small  target  in  the  bar- 
rack yard,  and  from  the  door  or  window  of  barracks  to 
aim  at  this,  standing,  kneeling,  and  lying  down. 

38.  For  lying  down,  heads  to  target,  the  belly  is  on 
the  ground,  and  toes  of  feet  turned  out.     On  the  back, 
what  is  known  as  the  "Texas  grip"  is  best.     The  left 
leg  is   passed   through   between  gun  and  sling,  above 
knee,  and  stock  drawn  back;  the  left  hand,  back  up,  is 
placed  under  the  head,  and  over  heel  of  the  butt.     The 
right  hand  is  reversed,  finger  in  rear  of  hammer,  thumb 
on  trigger,  elbow  resting  on  ground.     In  this  position 
one  can  lie  and  fire  all  day;  the  gun,  not  resting  on 
stomach  or  lungs,  is  free  from  being  affected  by  breath- 
ing.    It  is  customary  to  draw  before  firing  three  or  four 
long  breaths,  and  then  hold  or  take  a  gentle  breath. 

A  iming. 

39.  Draw  a  full  sight  on  lower  corner  of  bullseye,  to 
the  left  or  one  side,  giving  full  view  of  same;  the  drift 
will  be  more  apt  to  carry  the  bullet  into  the  bullseye. 
If  the  wind  is  from  the  right,  and  more  than  balances 
the  drift,  aim  to  the  right  of  the  bullseye. 

40.  By  full  sight  is  meant  seeing  all  the  sight  in  front 
through  the  rear  sight.     You  must  not  see  the  stud  upon 
which  the  sight  is  put.     Then,  if  you  shoot  high,  you 
can  take  a  fine  sight ;  that  is,  see  less  of  the  front  sight. 
It  is  best  to  do  this,  and  not  change  the  elevation  till 


12  FIRING    REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

3*ou  find  it  necessary.  Be  careful  to  look  through  the 
rear  sight.  If  you  neglect  that,  the  gun  will  shoot  high, 
and  you  will  never  be  able  to  ascertain  exactly  how 
much  of  the  front  sight  you  see  every  time.  The  gun 
must  not  be  held  too  tight  in  the  hands,  or  against  the 
shoulder.  This  tends  to  high  shooting,  and  the  pulsa- 
tions of  the  body  give  it  unsteadiness.  The  right  hand 
should  grasp  the  small  of  the  stock,  the  thumb  and 
fingers  touching.  Passing  both  the  first  and  second 
fingers  in  front  of  the  trigger,  the  second  resting  on  it, 
the  end  touching  stock,  gives  a  good  way  of  pulling  a 
hard  trigger ;  in  fact,  by  a  gradual  contraction  of  the 
hand,  the  trigger  becomes  almost  a  hair  one.  The  eye 
and  mind  should  act  together  with  finger  in  firing  the 
gun. 

Sun. 

41.  Upon  observing  its  effects,  good  or  bad  shooting 
'results.  If  the  sights  are  not  blackened,  the  sun  shining 
on  the  front  sight  makes  a  glare,  which,  if  on  right  of 
front  sight,  makes  the  shooting  to  the  left ;  if  on  left  of 
front  sight,  shooting  will  be  to  the  right.  The  range 
being  north,  the  best  usual  direction,  shooting  in  the 
morning  with  a  bright  sight  will  be  to  the  left,  or  with 
no  wind  will  about  balance  the  drift.  In  the  afternoon 
shooting  will  be  to  the  right,  and  this  added  to  the  drift 
will  make  the  shots  go  still  farther  to  the  right.  Hence 
the  necessity  of  having  the  front  sights  blackened.  On 
a  bright  day  a  lower  elevation  is  needed  than  on  a  dull 
day.  But  unless  the  gun  is  kept  clean,  as  powder  cakes 
and  fouls  the  gun  more  easily  on  a  dry  than  damp  day, 
a  greater  elevation  will  be  required.  A  hot  or  foul  bar- 
rel drops  a  shot,  or  shoots  low.  A  clean  barrel  raises  a 
shot,  or  shoots  high.  On  a  cloudy  day,  if  the  sun  ap- 
pears and  lights  up  the  target,  tlie  shooter  being  in  the 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  X.  G.  O  13 

shade,  use  less  elevation.  If  the  target  is  in  the  shade, 
and  the  shooter  in  the  sun,  increase  the  elevation.  The 
more  moisture  in  the  atmosphere  the  less  elevation  is 
required.  Best  shooting  is  done  on  damp,  gray  days 
not  too  dark. 

Wind. 

42.  A  front  wind,  or  one  in  the  face,  retards  the  bullet ; 
one   from   the  side  does   also,  in  addition  to  throwing 
bullets  off  the  target ;  so  in  both  cases  greater  elevation 
is  required.     A  wind  from  the  rear  helps  a  bullet,  and 
therefore  less  elevation  is  required.     Winds  are  called 
twelve  o'clock,  three,  six,  nine,  etc.,  depending  upon 
their  directions.    The  direction  of  the  wind  is  expressed 
by  a  watch-face  notation  ;  the  watch  being  held  with  the 
figure  XII  toward  the  target ;  a  wind  blowing  from  the 
target  is  called  a  "twelve  o'clock  wind";  one  from  the 
left  a  "  nine  o'clock  wind  " ;  one  from  the  right  a  "  three 
o'clock  wind,"  and  so  on. 

43.  The  wind  gauge  is  on  the  rifle  for  the  purpose  of 
making  the  gun  point  and  shoot  to  one  side.     Practice 
will  determine  how  much  to  aim  to  the  right  or  left. 
Pushing  the   wind  gauge  to   the  right   makes  the  gun 
shoot  to  the  right ;  to  the  left,  the  left.     Not  counting 
wind,  generally  to  allow  for  drift — that  is,  the  bullet's 
tendency,  owing  to  the  rifling  of  the  gun  or  twist,  to  go 
to  the  right  of  the  point  aimed  at — the  wind  gauge  has 
to  be  moved  one  sixth,  one  third,  one  half,  to  one  point 
to  the  left  for  distances  from  two  hundred  yards  up  to 
six  hundred.     If  the  wind  is  a  three  o'clock,  it  may  just 
balance  the  drift,  so  the  wind  gauge  should  remain  even. 
If  from  the  left,  or  a  nine  o'clock,  this,  with  the  drift, 
will  require  the  wind  gauge  to  be  moved  still  farther  to 
the  left.      The  bullet  striking  to  the  right  or  left,  and 
low,  is  often  caused  by  the  sights  or  piece  not  being  level. 


14  FIRING   REGULATIONS,  X.  G.  C. 

A  gun  leaning  to  the  left,  will  shoot  low  and  to  the 
left ;  leaning  to  the  right,  low  and  to  the  right.  A  small 
spirit-level  should  be  placed  in  front  of  the  breech-block 
till  the  man  learns  how  "to  level  his  piece."  At  long 
distances  this  is  of  the  greatest  importance  for  success- 
ful shooting.  Outers  will  always  be  made  without  it. 
The  sights  should  be  evenly  divided — that  is,  looking 
through  rear  sights,  an  equal  amount  of  front  sight 
should  be  seen  on  each  side  of  it.  The  eye  will  soon 
detect  if  the  sights  are  not  vertical  or  straight  up  and 
down. 

Drift. 

44.  With  the  soo-grain  service  bullet  the  drift  is  I,  3, 
5,  8,   ii,   16,   22,  28,  36,  and  43   inches   from   one  hun- 
dred to  one  thousand  yards,  and   from  regular  tables, 
knowing   the  value  of  a  point  on  the  wind  gauge,  we 
know  how  far  to  shove  the  gauge  to  the  left.     With  the 
4O5-grain  bullet  the  drift  up  to  five  hundred  yards  is  less, 
and  beyond  that  greater.      The  greater  the   charge   of 
powder,  the  flatter   the   trajectory  or   line  of  flight  of 
bullet,  and  more  accuracy  of  fire  and  more  hits  made. 

Ranges. 

45.  These  should  be  laid  off  so   as  to  shoot  toward 
the  north,  or  to  have  the  prevailing  wind  from  front  or 
rear,  and  not  from  the  side,  and  sun  toward  your  rear. 
If  toward  the  east  or  west,  firing  will  have  to  be  regu- 
lated so  that  the  sun  will  not  shine  in  one's  face.     Stakes 
should  be  driven  every  fifty  yards  from  butts  to  firing 
stands ;   this  gives  a  line  of  fire  and  prevents  shooting 
on  wrong  targets.     At  long  distances,  with  ground  not 
level,  firing  stands  will  have  to  be  raised  by  making  a 
crib-work  of  logs,  and  filling  with  dirt.     Grass  should 
be  planted,  so  as  to  make  a  green  surface  for  the  eye. 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  15 

If  a  canvas  has  to  be  used,  it  should  be  painted  some 
dark  color — the  dazzle  from  the  white  is  very  bad  for 
the  eyes.  In  firing,  men  should  not  strain  their  eyes  by 
looking  to  see  the  effect  of  shots.  These  will  be  called 
out  to  them  as  made.  Behind  each  butt,  if  an  officer 
cannot  be  spared,  a  non-commissioned  officer,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  company  detail,  should  be  required  from  a 
company  other  than  the  one  firing,  so  as  to  prevent  at 
any  time  the  questioning  of  a  score  made. 

777*  rijle. 

46.  Should  be  carefully  cleaned  with  a  wooden  wiping- 
rod  and  rags,  so  as  to  remove  the  lead,  which  makes  bad 
shooting;  "the  passing  of  a  rag  through  is  not  enough. 
Opening  the  breech-block  and  ejecting  shell  immediately 
after  firing  should  be  done,  and  blowing  through  the 
barrel  is  a  good  plan  to  keep  powder  from  caking.     Each 
man  should  handle  his  own  gun  carefully,  to  prevent 
rubbing  of  sights  or  injury  to   barrel.      No  two  guns 
shoot  exactly  alike,  so  each  one  should  learn  how,  and 
always  shoot  his  own  gun.    A  soldier  desirous  of  learning 
more,  must  study  manuals  on  rifle  practice.     ("Blunt's 
Firing  Regulations  for  Small  Arms  "  is  now  the  standard 
work  on  rifle  practice,  and  has  been  adopted  by  the  War 
Department,  U.  S.  A.,  for  use  in  the  Army  and  National 
Guard.) 

47.  Every  time  a  man  reads  he  will  gain  some  informa- 
tion ;   then  he  should  practice  daily  what  he  reads.     By 
this  means  he  will  become,  if  not  an  expert,  at  least  a 
first-class  shot,  and  able  to  make  from  time  to  time  the 
required  marksman's  score  with  good  general  averages. 
By  following  the  above,  the  result  of  experience  and 
information  compiled  from  books  not  always  accessible 
to  the  enlisted  man,  rapid  improvement  will  follow,  and 


l6  FIRING   REGULATIONS,   X.  G.   C. 

the  soldier  will  have  confidence  in  his  gun,  and  know  at 
all  times  just  what  he  can  do  with  it. 

48.  From  practice  it  has  been  found  that  firing  with 
the  405-grain  bullet  at  two  hundred  yards,  for  the  first 
shot  fix  your  elevation  at  one  hundred  and  seventy-five, 
the  second  at  one  hundred  and  eighty-five,  the  third  at 
two  hundred  yards,  and  remain  at  that  during  firing, 
the  gun  not  being  cleaned.  Firing  with  the  soo-grain 
bullet  at  two  hundred  yards,  for  the  first  shot  your  ele- 
vation at  two  hundred  yards,  the  second  at  about  two 
hundred  and  twelve  yards,  and  the  third  at  two  hundred 
and  twenty-five  yards,  and  so  continue.  The  same  prin- 
ciple should  be  followed  at  three  hundred  yards.  The 
first  shot  is  always  higher  than  the  others,  and  hence 
for  the  second  shot  you  must  increase  your  elevation. 
If  the  barrel  is  blown  through  after  every  shot,  the 
cleaning  out  of  the  gun  is  considered  not  necessary,  as 
the  moisture  from  the  breath  keeps  the  powder  from 
caking,  and  the  gun  cleans  itself  out.  Using  too  much 
lubricant,  except  wetting  bullet  from  the  mouth,  is  not 
good.  If  oil  is  used,  dip  the  bullet,  and  shake  it  so  the 
surface  will  be  equally  covered.  Handle  your  gun  daily, 
when  not  on  range,  by  aiming  at  some  object,  and  suc- 
cess will  follow.  Aiming  and  pointing  drill  is  well, 
but  it  becomes  tiresome.  Gallery  practice  is  always  of 
interest,  every  shot  made  showing  the  error  in  aiming  ; 
and  men,  if  left  to  themselves,  would  keep  it  up  all  day. 
Any  barrack  room  is  suitable  ;  one  of  fifty  feet  is  always 
attainable  ;  for  this  a  reduced  target  is  made  for  one 
hundred,  two  hundred,  three  hundred,  and  six  hundred 
yards.  To  do  this,  divide  the  different  dimensions  of 
the  targets  by  the  quotient  arising  from  dividing  the 
length  of  the  field  range  by  that  of  the  gallery  range. 
For  example,  two  hundred  yards,  or  six  hundred  feet, 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  17 

divided  by  fifty  feet,  gives  twelve.  Now,  dividing  the 
different  dimensions  of  target  by  twelve  gives  the  bulls- 
eyes,  centers,  and  inners,  and  size  of  your  reduced  target 
for  a  fifty-foot  range  ;  or  paste  a  bullseye  and  center  on 
a  piece  of  paper,  the  diameter  of  bull  being  about 
seventy-five  hundredths  of  an  inch,  and  center  a  little 
over  two  inches.  Now  paste  this  target  on  the  outside  of 
an  oil  can  filled  with  sand,  one  on  each  side  and  on  top 
and  bottom,  the  sand  to  stop  stray  bullets,  or  with  iron 
or  heavy  board  for  backing.  Let  the  bullseye  be  from 
four  feet  to  four  and  one  half  from  floor,  the  leaf  of 
sight  at  one  hundred  yards,  and  gun  aimed  at  lower 
edge  of  bullseye  will  cover  the  distance  of  one  hundred 
or  two  hundred  yards  corresponding  to  the  reduced 
targets,  or  for  standing  up  off-hand  practice.  For  three 
hundred  yards,  put  one  target  with  a  bullseye  only,  so 
that  the  center  of  it  will  be  two  feet  six  inches  from  the 
floor.  Above  this  put  your  reduced  target,  so  that  the 
center  of  its  bullseye  shall  be  five  inches  above  the  lower 
one,  or  two  feet  and  eleven  inches  from  the  floor.  With 
the  leaf  raised  to  three  hundred  yards,  and  aim  taken 
on  lower  edge  of  lower  bullseye,  hits  will  be  made  on 
the  proper  target. 

Position,  kneeling. 

For  six  hundred  yards,  lying  down  on  the  floor  (range 
fifty  feet  long),  put  a  bullseye,  its  center  twelve  inches 
from  the  floor  ;  above  this  your  reduced  target,  with  the 
center  of  its  bullseye  twelve  inches  from  the  center  of 
the  lower  one,  or  twenty-four  inches  from  the  floor,  sight 
adjusted  for  six  hundred  yards,  and  aim  at  the  lower 
edge  of  the  lowest  bullseye.  Hits  will  be  made  on  the 
tipper  target.  For  five  hundred  yards,  the  center  of  the 
bullseye  of  the  upper  target  should  be  ten  and  one  quarter 
inches  above  the  center  of  the  lower  or  sighting  target 

2— FR 


18  FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

(range  being  fifty  feet  long).  In  fixing  sights,  owing  to 
the  peculiarities  of  sighting,  some  have  to  be  below,  some 
above.  This  will  be  determined  by  experience.  Light 
should  be,  if  possible,  from  overhead.  If  not,  it  should 
be  from  both  sides,  so  as  to  shine  on  both  sides  of  the 
sight,  and  stronger  at  the  target  than  at  the  firing  point. 
Any  windows  between  the  firing  point  and  the  target 
should  be  darkened,  so  as  not  to  have  cross  shadows. 
From  three  to  four  grains,  of  powder  is  used  for  fifty 
feet ;  four  to  six  for  one  hundred  feet — about  as  much 
powder  as  can  be  taken  up  between  the  thumb  and 
finger.  The  bullet  should  be  the  forty-five  caliber  pistol 
bullet,  about  half  an  inch  long,  and  should  be  inserted 
in  the  end  of  the  shell  with  the  hand,  and  not  pushed 
down  to  the  powder. 

49.  (a)  Aiming  drills  and  gallery  practice  will  be  con- 
ducted as  prescribed  by  Blunt's  Small  Arms  Firing 
Regulations,  (b)  The  position  for  firing  will  be  the 
same  as  prescribed  by  Blunt's  Small  Arms  Firing  Regu- 
lations, except  that  at  the  5OO-yard  range  the  firing  will 
be  from  any  position  laying  down,  either  prone,  or  on 
the  side  or  back,  except  that  no  form  or  rest  for  the 
person  or  rifle,  other  than  may  be  afforded  by  the  body, 
will  be  allowed. 

»  50.  Targets  used  shall  be  the  same  as  prescribed  for 
the  United  States  Army. 

Points  or  counts  on  all  targets. 

51.  Five  for  the  " bitllseye"  (/.  e.,  the  smallest  circle)  ; 
four  for  the  "center"  (/.  <?.,  the  ring  embraced  between 
the  bullseye  and  the  outside  circumference  of  the  next 
larger  circle);  three  for  the  "inner"  (i.  e.,  the  ring 
between  the  outside  circumference  of  the  second  and 
third  circles,  for  targets  "A"  and  "  B,"  and  between  the 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  19 

outside  circumference  of  the  second  circle  and  the 
vertical  lines,  for  target  "C");  two  for  the  "outer" 
(/.  e.,  the  space  outside  the  largest  circles  of  targets 
"A"  and  "  B,"  and  outside  the  vertical  lines,  for  target 
"C").  For  "ricochet"  hits  (/'.  e.,  shots  which  strike 
some  other  object  before  the  target),  no  credit  is  given, 
except  in  silhouette  firing,  as  allowed  by  Blunt's  Small 
Arms  Firing  Regulations.  If  a  bullet  touches  the  out- 
side edge  of  the  bullseye,  or  one  of  the  lines,  it  is 
counted  the  same  as  though  it  went  inside. 

52.  Each  Company  Commander  shall  keep  a  complete 
record  of  all  target  practice  held  in  his  company.     He 
shall  make  for  the  Regimental  Inspector  of  Rifle  Prac- 
tice four  copies  of  the  practice  held  in  January,  May, 
September,  and  October,  on  blank  forms  furnished  by 
the  Adjuant-General.      The    Regimental    Inspector   of 
Rifle  Practice  shall  carefully  examine  and  certify  to  the 
correctness  of  these  reports,  and  within  five  days  after 
the  completion  of  the  practice  forward  three  copies  to 
the  Brigade  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice,  who  shall  verify 
said  reports,  and  within  ten  days  after  their  receipt  by 
him  forward  two  copies  to  the  Division  Inspector  of 
Rifle  Practice,  who  shall,  within  fifteen  days  after  their 
receipt   by  him,    forward   one  copy   to   the   Inspector- 
General  of  Rifle  Practice,  together  with  his  report. 

53.  Officers  of  troops,  batteries,  companies,  and  divis- 
ions will   practice  with  the  arm  of   their  commands. 
Field  and  staff  officers  will  practice  with  such  revolvers 
as  are  furnished  by  the  State. 

54.  Target  practice  with  the  revolver  will  be  held  at 
the  "A"  target,  distance  50  yards. 


2O  FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 

55.   Classification  for  revolver  practice. 

Ten  shots  will  be  fired  at  each  of  the  practices  held  in 
January,  May,  September,  and  October,  and  those  firing 
will  be  classed  as  follows  : 

Average  of  90  per  cent 1st  class. 

".;      "  80    "      "    2d      " 

"  70     "       "    3d       " 

"         "60     "       "    4th     " 

The  names  of  those  averaging  less  than  60  per  cent 
for  the  four  shoots  will  not  be  announced  in  orders,  and 
only  ist-class  men  will  be  permitted  to  compete  for  the 
State  Medal  for  revolver  practice. 

56.  These  regulations  will  be  in  force  after  June  30, 
1897. 

By  order  of  Commander-in-Chief. 

A.  W.  BARRETT, 

Adjutant-General. 


Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


FIRING   REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C. 


AN   ACT 

To  DEFINE  THE  DUTIES  OF  INSPECTORS  OF  RIFLE 
PRACTICE  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GUARD  OF  CALI- 
FORNIA. 

[Approved  March  30,  1878.] 

The  People  of  the  State  of  California,  represented  in 
Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice ;  duties  of,  etc. 

SECTION  i.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Inspector- 
General  of  Rifle  Practice  to  exercise  general  supervision 
over  the  rifle  practice  of  the  National  Guard  ;  to  inspect, 
or  cause  to  be  inspected,  from  time  to  time,  all  ranges 
and  practice  grounds,  and  see  that  the  prescribed  regu- 
lations for  rifle  practice  are  carried  out  by  the  National 
Guard,  and  that  the  proper  returns  thereof  are  made 
out;  to  report  direct  to  general  headquarters,  from 
time  to  time,  the  improvement  in  marksmanship  among 
the  uniformed  forces,  together  with  all  other  matters 
pertaining  to  his  duties.  Commandants  of  brigades, 
regiments,  and  companies  shall  furnish  to  the  Inspector- 
General  of  Rifle  Practice  such  information  as  he  shall 
require  in  regard  to  the  rifle  practice  of  their  commands, 
and  as  to  the  number  and  condition  of  all  targets  or 
other  military  property  of  the  State  issued  to  their 
respective  commands  for  use  in  rifle  practice  ;  and  if  at 
the  conclusion  of  his  inspection  of  any  armory,  range, 
or  practice  ground,  he  shall  find  any  property  apper- 
taining to  rifle  practice,  which  ought  to  be  kept  therein, 
missing,  injured,  unfit  for  use,  or  deficient  in  any  respect, 


22  FIRING    REGULATIONS,  N.   G.  C. 

or  that  such  range  or  practice  ground  is  dangerous,  1  it- 
shall  forthwith  report  the  facts  in  respect  thereto  to 
general  headquarters.  He  may,  from  time  to  time, 
examine  the  officers  upon  the  theory  and  practice  of 
marksmanship,  and  upon  the  system  of  instruction  of 
rifle  practice.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  attend,  as  far  as 
practicable,  all  general  competitions  in  marksmanship 
among  the  National  Guard,  and  see  that  such  competi 
tions  are  conducted  with  fairness  and  according  tc 
prescribed  regulations.  He  shall  make  an  annua] 
report  to  general  headquarters,  in  which  he  shall  state 
the  result  of  all  competitions  in  marksmanship,  with  tht 
names  of  the  winners,  together  with  such  suggestions 
as  he  may  see  fit. 

Brigade  Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice ;  duties  of,  etc. 

SEC.  2.  The  Brigade  Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice  shal] 
have  supervision  of  all  matters  appertaining  to  rifle 
practice  within  the  limits  of  their  respective  brigades, 
under  the  direction  of  the  brigade  commander,  as  above 
prescribed  for  the  Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice. 
They  shall  report  to  such  Inspector-General  of  Rifle 
Practice,  whenever  required  by  him,  the  condition  01 
rifle  practice  in  their  respective  brigades,  and  what 
practice  of  that  description  has  been  carried  on  during 
any  perioel,  and  shall  also,  at  his  request,  report  to  hiii: 
upon  any  matter  relating  to  rifle  practice  which  ma\ 
require  examination  within  their  respective  brigades. 
They  shall  attend  the  competition  for  any  prizes  thai 
may  be  offered  by  the  State  to  the  command  to  whicl 
they  are  attached,  or  that  may  be  arranged  between  ain 
of  the  companies  of  their  brigades,  and  see  that  tin. 
same  are  conducted  with  fairness  and  according  to  tin 
prescribed  regulations  for  such  competitive  matches, 
and  report  to  the  Inspector-General  of  Rifle  Practice 


FIRING  REGULATIONS,  N.  G.  C.  23 

the  result  of  all  such  competitions,  with  the  names  of 
the  winners,  together  with  such  suggestions  as  they  may 
see  fit  to  make. 

Regimental  and  Battalion  Inspectors  of  Rifle  Practice  ; 

duties  of,  etc. 

SEC.  3.  Regimental  and  Battalion  Inspectors  of  Rifle 
Practice  shall  have  supervision  of  all  matters  apper- 
taining to  rifle  practice  within  the  limits  of  their 
respective  regiments  or  battalions,  as  prescribed  for  the 
Brigade  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice.  They  shall  report 
to  said  Brigade  Inspector  of  their  respective  brigades 
the  condition  of  rifle  practice  in  their  respective  regi- 
ments or  battalions,  and  what  practice  has  been  carried 
on  during  any  period,  and  shall  also,  at  his  request, 
report  to  him  upon  any  matter  relating  to  rifle  practice 
which  may  require  examination  within  their  respective 
regiments  or  battalions.  They  shall  attend  the  compe- 
titions for  any  prize  that  may  be  offered,  or  that  may  be 
arranged  between  any  of  the  companies  of  their  re- 
spective regiments  or  battalions,  and  see  that  the  same 
are  conducted  with  fairness  and  according  to  the  pre- 
scribed regulations  for  such  competitive  matches,  and 
report  to  the  Brigade  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice  the 
result  of  all  such  competitions,  with  the  nanfes  of  the 
winners,  together  with  such  suggestions  as  they  may 
see  fit. 

SEC.  4.  This  Act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force 
from  and  after  its  passage. 


INDEX. 


PARAGRAPH. 

Ammunition,  number  of  rounds  per  man 3 

"  kind  used . 5 

Armory  Practice,  how  conducted 8 

"  "         targets  for.. 48 

"         bullets  used  in 48 

Arms,  kind  used 27,  53 

Aiming  Drills,  value  of. 37,  48 

•'  "        rules  to  govern . .'.        49 

Aiming 39 

Blunt's  Small  Arms  Firing  Regulations,  use  of  in  U.  S.  Army.        46 

Cartridges,  care  of 9 

Classes;  Rifle 4 

"        Revolver 55 

Danger  Flag.. 18 

Drift,  allowance  for .. 44 

Elevation,"          "    48 

Inspector-General  Rifle  Practice,  duties  of 52 

Inspectors  Rifle  Practice,  Act  of  Legislature,  in  re,  duties  of. pp.  21-23 

"  "         duties  of 11,12 

"        -     "  "         Regimental,  duties  of 13,14,52 

"  "-        "         Brigade,  duties  of. 52 

"  "         Division,     "        " 52 

Marksman 4 

"  Distinguished 4 

Names,  to  be  announced  in  orders... 10 

Naval  Battalion,  supervision  of 16 

Position,  for  firing... 38,  49  (6) 

"         armory  practice 48 

Ranges,  selection  of 17,  45 

practice  at 21,  22,  23,  24 

Rifles,  care  of 33,  34 

"      how  cleaned 46 

"      obstruction  in  barrel 36 


INDEX.  25 

PARAGRAPH. 

Records,  of  all  shots,  to  be  kept 52 

"  copies  of  practice  furnished 52 

Regimental  Inspector  Rifle  Practice,  to  certify  correctness  of 

report 52 

Regulations,  in  effect  when 56 

Revolver  Practice - 54 

Rules,  what  govern 26 

Scoring 51 

Shells,  care  of - 9 

Sharpshooter's  Contest,  who  to  participate  in 4 

-- -  - -  4 

Sights,  use  of. .. 28,  29,  30,  31,  35.  40 

Skirmish  Firing,  time  held 3 

•'  '•'  distance  of  range  in 6 

Sun,  effect  of 41 

Tampering  with  rifle  or  revolver 32 

Targets,  kind  used - 50 

Time  of  Practice 2 

Unattached  Companies,  supervision  of 16 

Wind,  kind  of - .  42 

Windage 19,  20 

Wind  Gauge,  use  of - 43 

3-FR 


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